BAKU: Turkish PM calls on Armenia to release Nagorno Karabakh

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Feb 10 2008

Turkish Prime-Minister calls on Armenia to release Nagorno Karabakh

[ 10 Feb 2008 15:19 ]

Munich.Javid Ismayil-APA. There occurred an incident between Turkish
Prime Minister Rejep Tayyip Erdogan and Armenian Foreign Minister
Vardan Oskanyan, APA reports

Erdogan delivered speech in the conference .Oskanyan asked Erdogan
why Turkey does not establish diplomatic relations with Armenia.

`There is not diplomatic relations between us. Our borders are
closed. The reasons are Nagorno Karabakh conflict and genocide
occurred in 1915.We are not under war condition with Turkey. Why do
not we discuss these issues? Why do not we establish diplomatic
relations?’ he said.

Erdogan answered Armenian Foreign Minister’s question very seriously.
He noted that, He restored air cargo transportation with Armenia
after he was Minister. We restored Armenian Church in Akdamar Island.
There are 40,000 Armenian in Turkey now. Why do they move to my
country? We have not any problem with Armenian citizens. You should
answer why Armenians are moving from Armenia and several countries of
world to Turkey. Because Turkey is a country of peace!’ he said.

Erdogan called on Armenia to release Nagorno Karabakh.

`The whole word recognizes Armenia as an aggressive country. Leave
for Nagorno Karabakh! Let hundreds, thousands Azerbaijanis live
there. They are also our brothers. Why do not you have forbearance
for this? If you have forbearance, you will contribute to peaceful
issue. Nagorno Karabakh events disclose who committed genocide and
drove out innocent people from their lands,’ he said.

Erdogan called on Armenia to give up claims on Armenian genocide and
disclose archives on 1915 events together.